To understand what campaigns mean in gaming, you can imagine a political campaign during elections or a marketing campaign. Campaigns in games are continuing storylines. Notably, in RPGs, adventures are the other name of campaigns.
This PVP Live guide will examine “Dungeons & Dragons,” a game with a fantastic array of campaigns. But first, what are campaigns here?
What Are Campaigns In ‘Dungeons & Dragons’?
Campaigns in games like “Dungeons & Dragons’ are what entice people to play more. In “Dungeons & Dragons,” you may consider a campaign as a single game session, but it’s much more than that. Rather, it is an ongoing storyline spanning several sessions, even years of real-time.
A campaign’s story can follow a published adventure. Or, it can spring from the imagination of the Dungeon Master. Sometimes, it is a marriage of both.
The Greatest Campaigns In ‘Dungeons & Dragons’
Here are the game’s most outstanding campaigns of all time.
Curse Of Strahd
The first stop is Curse of Strahd. It centers around Ravenloft, which is an adventure module for this tabletop RPG. In Ravenloft, you’ve got Strahd von Zarovich, its first realm lord.
With this campaign, you’ll find yourself as victims of the Mists and guests of Barovia, the vampire’s domain. Then, you will also find yourself working for Madam Eva, the Vistani gypsy.
It’s an adventure that Gothic fans will love. Here, you’re not playing as the vampire but as somebody aiming to take down this bloodthirsty being.
Curse of Strahd is not your usual high-fantasy adventure as you start at the scenario wherein the villain has already triumphed, and the odds of beating him are so slim. A masterpiece, this campaign spans 11 levels, so there’s ample opportunity to enjoy.
Tomb Of Annihilation
Now, if that title won’t push you to play this campaign. Taking inspiration from Tomb of Horrors, the iconic adventure module from 1975, this fantastic “Dungeons & Dragons” campaign for its fifth edition is, hands down, one of the most incredible adventures ever.
It is set in the Forgotten Realms, which is part of the remote forests of the Chult continent. Like Curse of Strahd, it also spans 11 levels but brings you within a quest to halt a deadly magical curse.
Along the way, you will tackle merciless monsters, mysterious ruins, and even – weird as it may sound – zombie dinosaurs. Think of dinosaurs who have awakened from the past.
This campaign stands the test of time and is something you should experience at least once in your “D&D” journey.
Out Of The Abyss
The setting of Out of the Abyss is less vampiric or scary but instead leans toward being more adventurous. It happens in the Underdark of the Forgotten Realms, an expansive subterranean dimension from the fantasy novel “The Legend of Drizzt.” This campaign spans 15 levels, giving you more chances to have fun playing it.
Its plot starts with the player being captured by dark, evil elves and dragged into the subterranean depths, where they uncover an even larger, deadlier threat to all of the Realms.
Of course, you must find a way to escape, and as you do so, you’ll come across other races, factions, monsters, and non-player characters residing in that strange nocturnal dimension.
Prepare for the strongest combats paired with lots of exploration and role-playing. Certainly not to miss.
Storm King’s Thunder
If there’s one word to describe Storm King’s Thunder, it’s that it is epic. First and foremost, you’ll encounter giants trying to destroy your world. But they’re doing it as a revolution. Now, you must investigate why they are in an uprising in the first place. As you do so, you will battle enormous foes and perhaps even promote yourself to being a ruler. Yes, you can play as the giants.
Furthermore, you’ll love that it has plenty of outcomes depending on how you complete a quest. This way, there are elements of surprise. To top these all off, Storm’s King Thunder plays like a massive sandbox, making you feel you can embark on your adventure anywhere on the map. Or, if you don’t want the giants’ role, you can defend towns against their attacks instead.
Dungeons Of Drakkenheim
Nexy is Dungeons of Drakkenheim, and it is unique because two influential YouTubers created it. To provide you with some background about how popular it is, it was just funded in five minutes, generating over a million dollars in backer support.
Comprising 13 magnificent levels, this campaign set in the dark, grim city of Drakkenheim – a city cataclysm has crushed and destroyed – now has its rival factions and deadly monsters haunting its surroundings. The plot sounds a little bit cliché, but overall, it’s a great campaign to find yourself immersed in.
Vecna: Eve Of Ruin
Vecna: Eve of Ruin is also addictive and high-octane. Designed for characters in levels 10 to 20, this “D&D Fifth Edition” campaign features the return of Vecna, the legendary arch-lich. Now, she must fulfill a dark ritual, and if she does, this shall put an end to the gods and let him recreate the multiverse in his own image.
Putting an end to the gods doesn’t sound good, so players must defeat Vecna. But, before this feat, you must first rebuild the legendary Rod of Seven Parts and find yourself traveling through various “D&D” settings, such as Spelljammer, Planescape, Ravenloft, Eberron, Greyhawk, and Dragonlance. Epic adventures await.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Also unique, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is set in Waterdeep city, taking you on an urban adventure that will have you pursuing a hidden treasure. A treasure littered with prizes? What more could you ask for? But, before clinching the prize, you must navigate political intrigue, interact with different factions, and contend with the most dangerous of rivals to get hold of the coveted wealth.
Here, you meet some of the most renowned characters of the Forgotten Realms and monsters, from Mindflayers to Rakshasa. If you don’t mind a short campaign in just five levels, this is for you.
Conclusion
If that list still hasn’t inspired you to take on a “Dungeons & Dragons” campaign, let’s end this story with some encouragement. Playing a campaign will welcome you to creative storytelling you won’t learn otherwise. You’ll also be able to hone your social interaction, problem-solving, improvisation, and escapism skills, among others. It’s like dipping McDonald’s world-famous fries into your ice cream sundae.
